Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery
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J Craniomaxillofac Surg · Dec 2000
The submental route revisited using the laryngeal mask airway: a technical note.
The submental route for endotracheal intubation is well known and this paper reports the use of the same route for the laryngeal mask airway. This technique can be used whenever it is considered too awkward to perform submental, transoral or transnasal endotracheal intubations. When the surgery has been completed, the mouth is left open to allow the laryngeal mask to be removed; it cannot be left in place in cases of intermaxillary fixation. It is necessary to detach the laryngeal mask orally, never submentally, as it is impossible to remove the mask via the submental route.
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J Craniomaxillofac Surg · Dec 2000
Case ReportsEvaluating the neck for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.
The aims of this article are to study how variations in the anatomy of the neck may influence the success of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). ⋯ Variations in the anatomy of the neck can make PDT both difficult and hazardous. Patients with a deeply lying trachea may need a long shank tube. Open surgical tracheostomy is indicated in some patients with a deeply lying trachea and conditions producing secondary deformity of the trachea. All patients should have a detailed history and thorough clinical examination of the neck and thorax prior to PDT. The selective use of chest radiography, MRI, and ultrasound assessment prior to PDT can assist in the identification of patients unsuitable for this technique.